Hippotherapy is one of the methods of psychomotor rehabilitation involving a horse. Through hippotherapy we influence the balance system, the patient on horseback strives to keep his unstable centre of gravity above the horse’s centre of gravity in all phases of movement. During the ride, the patient’s pelvis and shoulder girdle, behaves identically to a normal gait pattern. Hippotherapy also has the effect of reducing muscle tension (spasticity) through the rhythmic movements of the horse. Thanks to hippotherapy, little patients can more easily overcome their fears, build a bond with the animal and express their emotions.
Hipoterapia – z racji warunków przestrzennych – jest dostępna tylko w ośrodku w Małym Gacnie.
Effects of horse movement on the human body
- encoding the correct gait pattern during running, the pelvis and shoulder girdle behave as with normal gait, so that the correct gait pattern is encoded in the central nervous system,
- The balance system of the patient on horseback strives to have his or her unstable centre of gravity above the horse’s centre of gravity during all phases of movement. During one minute of trotting, the horse transmits approximately 110 multidimensional rocking impulses to the person sitting on it. This results in motivation for the body to engage in balancing and defensive responses,
- the muscular system, there is a reduction in muscular tension due to, among other things, rhythmic movements, increased body temperature, anti-joint movements of the hip-bars. In addition, the postural muscles are strengthened
- transmission of sensorimotor impulses
Indications:
- neurological movement dysfunctions of various aetiologies,
- developmental disorder,
- sensorimotor integration disorders,
- disorders of balance and motor coordination.
Hippotherapy is one of the rehabilitation methods based on neurophysiology carried out with the participation of a horse.
